Seiyo(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Niihama City, the best hotel with panoramic views is Oigata Onsen Kōkyū Hotel, nestled along the Oigata River. Its traditional Japanese-style rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush valleys and seasonal foliage. The private outdoor baths provide uninterrupted mountain vistas, especially stunning during autumn foliage season. For a more modern option, Hinokage Villa Resort features glass-walled suites with direct access to forest trails and a rooftop hot tub under the stars. Both properties emphasize tranquility and nature immersion.

The most culturally rich area in Niihama City is Toki Town, home to the historic Toki Pottery Workshop and the Niihama Folk Museum. This district retains Edo-era streetscapes with wooden storefronts and lantern-lit alleys. Visitors can participate in hands-on Toki ware pottery classes led by master artisans, creating unique ceramics using centuries-old techniques. The annual Toki Festival showcases local music, dance, and traditional crafts, offering deep insight into regional heritage and community spirit.

Tourists in Niihama City should try the Oigata River Kayaking Tour, gliding through serene waters surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls. Another must-do is visiting the Yamagata Tea Plantation for a guided tea-picking and brewing session, where guests learn about the region’s premium green tea cultivation. Additionally, the Night Sky Observation at Niihama Observatory offers stargazing sessions with telescopes, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts seeking clear skies away from city lights.

Yes, Niihama Family Nature Lodge is an excellent choice for families. Located near Oigata River Park, this eco-friendly resort offers spacious cabins with kitchenettes, a children’s playroom, and a fenced garden with petting zoo animals. It also hosts daily activities like forest scavenger hunts, origami workshops, and bonfire storytelling. All facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and nearby hiking trails are suitable for young explorers. The staff provides kid-friendly meal options featuring local ingredients.

Near Niihama City, the top natural attractions include Oigata Gorge, a breathtaking canyon carved by the Oigata River, ideal for hiking and photography. The Shirakawa Waterfall Cluster, hidden within a moss-covered forest, features multiple tiers of cascading water perfect for summer cooling. For a more adventurous outing, Mount Hikari Trail offers a moderate climb with sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. Early morning visits yield misty landscapes that resemble a living painting.

For authentic local flavors, visit Toki Soba & Tofu Restaurant in Toki Town, famous for its handmade Toki soba noodles served with a delicate dashi broth and fresh tofu. Another highlight is Oigata River Fish Grill, where chefs prepare grilled river fish like ayu and sweetfish over charcoal. Don’t miss the Ehime Orange Mochi sold at roadside stalls—soft rice cakes filled with citrus jam. These dishes reflect the region’s strong connection to agriculture and freshwater resources.

Photographers love Toki Old Street at dawn, when soft sunlight filters through ancient wooden eaves and casts long shadows on cobblestone paths. The Oigata Gorge Bridge offers a dramatic perspective of the river winding through cliffs, especially during golden hour. For night photography, the Niihama Observatory provides unobstructed views of the Milky Way and satellite trails. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to capture the blend of tradition, nature, and celestial beauty.

Yes, Niihama City has reliable public transit via JR Yosan Line trains connecting to Matsuyama and Imabari, with frequent service every 30 minutes. Local buses cover major attractions including Oigata Gorge, Toki Town, and Hinokage Forest Park. Tourist-friendly options include the Ehime Prefecture Bus Pass, which allows unlimited rides for three days. For greater flexibility, rental cars are widely available at train stations and come with multilingual GPS systems.

For couples, the Starlight Glass Cabin at Hinokage Resort is a dreamy escape. This transparent cabin features a private rooftop hot tub with panoramic views of the night sky and surrounding mountains. Couples can enjoy a curated dinner with local wine and fruit platters delivered to their door. Morning yoga sessions in the forest and sunrise viewing from the veranda create intimate, memorable moments. Romantic packages often include a handwritten love letter and a photo frame of the couple’s stay.

Niihama City is a haven for nature lovers thanks to its pristine rivers, ancient forests, and diverse wildlife. The Oigata River Corridor supports rare species like the Japanese giant salamander and endemic birds. Hiking trails such as Mount Hikari Path lead through cedar groves and open meadows. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, fireflies in early summer, and vibrant maple leaves in fall. Guided nature walks with local ecologists enhance the experience with educational insights into the region’s ecology.